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Biogen Idec Inc reported much higher-than-expected third-quarter profit on Thursday on increased sales of its drugs for multiple sclerosis and cancer, and the U.S. biotechnology company raised its full-year earnings forecast.

Biogen now expects 2012 earnings of $6.40 per share to $6.50 per share, excluding items, up from its prior view above $6.20.

The company also now expects 2012 revenue growth to be in the mid-to-high single digits in percentage terms, compared with 2011. It had forecast growth in the mid-single digits.

Wells Fargo analyst Brian Abrahams said in a research note the new forecast was in a range that he and Wall Street had expected, adding and with this quarter's performance seems easily achievable or beatable.

However, most investors are focused on Biogen's experimental oral MS drug BG-12, which is expecting a U.S. approval decision around March, after the Food and Drug Administration earlier this month extended its review of the medicine by three months.

Biogen shares have nearly doubled during the last 18 months, driven primarily by enthusiasm over the impressive data for BG-12, also known as dimethyl fumarate. Once approved, BG-12 would be the third oral treatment for the debilitating disease, but based on its safety and efficacy data, it is expected to become the industry leader with annual sales in excess of $1 billion, according to analysts.

The company told analysts on a conference call it was well prepared for upcoming product launches and said costs would likely rise in the fourth quarter as it gets ready to start selling what is seen as by far its most important future growth driver, BG-12.

Biogen also expects to submit an application in the first quarter of 2013 seeking U.S. approval of its promising long-acting treatment for hemophilia B - the less common form of the disorder in which patients lack certain proteins necessary for blood clotting. Hemophilia will be a new market for the company.

Biogen's net profit in the third quarter rose to $398 million, or $1.67 per share, from $354 million, or $1.43 per share, a year ago.